Rapid dieback of new shoot growth is called which term?

Rapid dieback of new shoot growth is called which term?

• A. Wilt
• B. Blight
• C. Canker
• D. Rot

Answer: (B)

Blight is the rapid death of plant tissue, especially on young, new growth. This term describes how shoots and leaves can quickly go from healthy to necrotic, giving a sudden dieback pattern. It’s often caused by pathogens that spread fast in favorable conditions, attacking the fresh growth first because it’s more susceptible. Wilt, in contrast, is a loss of turgor from blocked water transport and usually makes plants droop rather than show immediate necrosis of tissue. Canker refers to localized sunken lesions on stems or branches, not a whole-plant dieback. Rot means decayed tissue, often soft and decomposed, usually at the base or inside tissues rather than abrupt dieback of new shoots. So the rapid dieback of new shoot growth is best described as blight.

Blight is the rapid death of plant tissue, especially on young, new growth. This term describes how shoots and leaves can quickly go from healthy to necrotic, giving a sudden dieback pattern. It’s often caused by pathogens that spread fast in favorable conditions, attacking the fresh growth first because it’s more susceptible.

Wilt, in contrast, is a loss of turgor from blocked water transport and usually makes plants droop rather than show immediate necrosis of tissue. Canker refers to localized sunken lesions on stems or branches, not a whole-plant dieback. Rot means decayed tissue, often soft and decomposed, usually at the base or inside tissues rather than abrupt dieback of new shoots.

So the rapid dieback of new shoot growth is best described as blight.